Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Wilson, NY?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Wilson, NY, but they are subject to comprehensive regulations that vary between the Town of Wilson and the Village of Wilson. Both jurisdictions have enacted specific local laws governing short-term rental operations, with the Town of Wilson implementing its regulations in September 2023 and the Village of Wilson following with its own law in January 2024. The maximum rental period for short-term rentals is 31 consecutive days, and operating without the required permits is prohibited.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Wilson, NY

For the Town of Wilson:

1. Initial Inquiry: Contact the Wilson Code Enforcement Officer to obtain the Requirements Checklist, copy of Chapter 97 of the Town Code, and the application form.

2. Application Submission: File your completed short-term rental permit application with the Code Enforcement Officer, including all supporting documentation and the non-refundable permit fee.

3. Review Process: The Code Enforcement Officer has 30 days to conduct a property inspection to certify compliance with all requirements.

4. Special Use Permit: Upon successful inspection, the matter proceeds to the Zoning Board of Appeals for Special Use Permit consideration.

5. Final Approval: Once approved, display the permit prominently and include the permit number in all advertisements.

For the Village of Wilson:

1. Application: Submit an application to the village's code enforcement department.

2. Inspection: Undergo inspection by the village's code enforcement department.

3. Manager Requirement: Ensure your designated manager resides within a 45-minute drive of the property.

4. Compliance: Adhere to the cap of 25 short-term rental properties village-wide.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Town of Wilson Requirements:

Required Application Documents:

• Signatures of all owners or designated agents
• Authorization for Code Enforcement Officer inspection
• Acknowledgment of compliance with short-term rental standards
• Confirmation of zoning code compliance
• List of property owners and management company details
• Names, addresses, and contact information for primary and secondary alternate agents (must respond within 30 minutes)
• Certified floor plan for each level (minimum 8.5" x 11", drawn to scale)

Permit Details:

• Valid for one year, non-transferable to new owners
• Must be renewed 30 days prior to expiration
• Permit fee determined by Town Board resolution (nonrefundable)

Insurance Requirements:

• Property insurance certificate
• General liability insurance minimum of $1,000,000
• Coverage must indicate premises is rated as a short-term rental

Village of Wilson Requirements:

• $250 annual operating permit fee
• Manager residing within 45-minute drive
• Compliance with inspection requirements

Safety Equipment Requirements (Town of Wilson):

• One working smoke detector per sleeping room + one per floor
• Carbon monoxide detectors as required by NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• ABC fire extinguisher on each floor and in kitchen
• House numbers visible from road and driveway
• Electrical system inspection with certificate of compliance
• Weekly garbage removal during rental periods

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Wilson Regulations:

Property Standards:

• Allowed in all Residential zoning districts
• Must comply with NYS Uniform Building Codes
• Only one structure per property permitted
• Maximum occupancy: 2 people per NYS Building Code compliant bedroom + 2 people per full-size convertible sleeping furniture (max 12 people total)
• Hard surface parking required (no grass parking)
• No advertising signs on property
• Emergency contact information sign (max 8.5" x 11") required at main door

Operational Requirements:

• Septic system pumping within past 4 years (every 4 years thereafter)
• Water supply meeting State and County requirements
• Evacuation procedures posted in each sleeping room
• Monthly fire extinguisher inspections with annual licensed inspection
• Good neighbor statement in rental contract including quiet hours (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
• Weekly garbage removal during rental periods

Prohibited Uses:

• RV/Motorhomes as standalone STR properties or supplemental occupancy
• Events/parties with 6+ non-occupants

Village of Wilson Regulations:

• Cap of 25 short-term rental properties village-wide
• Manager must reside within 45-minute drive
• Subject to inspection by village code enforcement
• $250 annual permit fee

Enforcement and Penalties (Town of Wilson)

Violation Actions:

• Permit condition attachment
• Permit suspension
• Required corrective action (30-day deadline)
• Court appearance tickets with fines:
  • First offense: Up to $350
  • Second offense within 5 years: $350-$700
  • Third or subsequent offense within 5 years: $700-$1,000
• Permit revocation (1-year prohibition on reapplication)

Immediate Suspension Grounds:

• Falsified application information
• Code compliance failures
• Town code violations
• Penal Law violations
• Public nuisance conduct
• Safety device removal/disrepair
• Police incident involvement
• Contact unavailability

Contact Information

Town of Wilson:

Code Enforcement Officer

• Phone: (716) 751-6704 ext. 108
• Address: 375 Lake Street, Wilson, NY 14172
• General Phone: (716) 751-6704
• Website: wilsonnewyork.com

Village of Wilson:

Contact information not specified in provided content. Contact Village Clerk at Village Hall for specific details.

Source Links

1. Town of Wilson Short-Term Rental Law (Local Law No. 3-2023): https://www.wilsonnewyork.com/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=199&ARC=298

2. Town of Wilson Code Book: https://www.ecode360.com/WI0515

3. Airbnb Help Center - Wilson, NY: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3790

4. Village of Wilson News Article: https://www.yahoo.com/news/village-wilson-passes-regulate-short-045900034.html

Important Notes for Investors:

• Both jurisdictions require active management and responsiveness (30 minutes for Town, 45-minute drive for Village)
• The Town regulations are significantly more comprehensive and detailed
• Consider the 25-property cap in the Village when evaluating investment opportunities
• Budget for ongoing compliance costs including insurance, inspections, and permit renewals
• Ensure septic systems meet capacity requirements and maintenance schedules